An MLC who has been championing the rights of unmarried fathers says he is incensed over new plans to charge for registering parental responsibility.

Juan Turner welcomed the decision by Treasury Minister Eddie Teare to withdraw the Court Fees Order that went before last week’s Tynwald sitting.

Mr Teare withdrew the order after Tynwald members raised concerns about increases in fees for Small Claims Court claims.

But Mr Turner says what has really incensed him is that the General Registry has now decided to introduce a new charge for registering parental responsibility.

A parental responsibility agreement is a legal document in which a child’s mother and father agree that the father or step parent has parental responsibility for the child.

Mr Turner said: ‘To charge £25 for two parents to register their child’s rights is an utter disgrace, particularly when we are trying to encourage separated parents to be fully responsible and take an active part in the upbringing of their child.

‘It is the child’s right and the General Registry should be utterly ashamed of themselves for introducing this charge.

‘I do not accept the argument they are recovering costs of providing the service as taxes are paid centrally for government to provide services. If we are moving to this model then you would abolish tax altogether and people would simply pay for what they wish to access – but that is a flawed concept and wouldn’t work.

‘I will be requesting the new parental responsibility charge is also dropped from this or I will be voting against the Fees Order when it comes back.’

Mr Turner’s private member’s bill give equal parental responsibilities to fathers of children even when they are not married to the child’s mother has now received Royal Assent. The appointed day order is due to be laid before Tynwald next month.

The MLC said he will be writing to Treasury to ask they reconsider a fixed fee for small claims.

A group of 11 Isle of Man swimmers recently travelled to Manchester to compete in the North West Youth Swimming Championships.

The team consisted of six boys and five girls aged 15-18 years old, which is twice the number of swimmers who qualifed for this meet last year.

This is testament to the strength in depth that the Isle of Man Swimming Club is developing under its new structure and with the support of AXA Wealth International until 2015.

The first day of swimming at the Manchester Aquatics Centre saw every competitor swim new best times, while four new junior and senior island records were acheived along the way.

The first record to fall was to the boys’ 4x100m freestyle team of Alex Bregazzi, Brody Hewison, Luke Annett and Ben Donaldson who beat the previous record by by 18 seconds. The quartet still have another 12 months in the junior age group so expect more success from them.

On the same day, the women’s team of Charlotte Atkinson, Laura Kinley, Steph Brew and Amy Kinley broke the senior island record for 4x200m freestyle.

In the individual events all swimmers progressed to the finals session in or on previous best times.

Mark Copparelli set a new full course PB to earn his place as a reserve finalist in the 400m, while Allana Kelly progressed to the final of the 50m backstroke in a new PB where she eventually finished seventh.

Brew progressed in the 100m breaststroke with a new personal best time and claimed her highest North West Youth Swimming Championships finish so far with fifth.

Annett qualified for the 400m individual medley final and finished seventh in his first time qualifying for the event, while Guy Davies set new PBs in both 50m and 200m breaststroke as well as claiming silver in the 200m - the first time he has achieved a podium finish at this level.

Laura Kinley took second in the 200m breaststroke final as well as bronze in the 50m freestyle finals and Atkinson broke the senior island record in the 100m fly in both heat and final stage, beating two GB internationals in the process.

Day two continued in the same vein for the Isle of Man swimmers and the record tally rose even further still.

The boys junior and women’s senior teams broke all remaining relay records, the outstanding performances being a 16-second record in the 4x100 medley team and a 26-second record in the 4x200m freestyle.

Individually, Brew raised her previous best in both the 50m and 100m breastroke on her way to finishing fourth in the final.

Laura Kinley, competing in the age group above Brew, finished second and first in the 100m and 50m events respectively.

Atkinson continued to attack the senior island records in the 50m butterfly and moved up to second in the GB rankings, while Davies continued his red-hot form to break the 27- year-old 100m breaststroke senior men’s record and take his first North West title.

In total there were 12 island records broken.

Isle of Man Swimming Club head coach Lee Holland commented: ‘The strength in depth of this squad is truly exciting for the future of the sport.

‘Now we must concentrate on the Island Games in Bermuda and the road to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.’

Team Royal London 360 is running its popular Rider of the Month competition again this year.

As usual, the competition, which is now in its eighth year, runs from April to August, with all the winners receiving a commemorative trophy and a cash prize of £50.

For the second year in succession Matthew Draper is the inaugural recipient of the season.

The young Manxman got his year off to a flying start by winning the North West Region under-16 youth circuit race championship in Southport on April 27, outsprinting his breakaway partners for a clear victory.

In the same month he also won his class overall in the Dolan youth series, despite having to miss the final rearranged round due to a clash of race dates.

At home Matthew has impressed with his attacking style in the Royal London 360 Tuesday night criterium league at the National Sports Centre, regularly posting top-six placings in his first year in the very competitive under-16 age group.

Hundreds of people have signed up to give lifts to strangers as they try to beat the effects of the bus strike.

Today’s Manx Independent has the details.

The paper also reports on alleged intimidation of bus drivers during the strike.

The sports section has the latest on the TT and we reveal details of a potential new film about the TT in the news section.

Our Island Life section looks forward to the appearance by The Darkness and includes the island’s two-page What’s On guide.

The Manx Independent is in the shops now.

Poor weather again hampered practice for the 2013 Isle of Man TT on Wednesday night - but the forecast looks a little better for this evening’s session.

For the third night in a row, conditions worsened as the day wore on and, just when practice was due to commence, rain in the north led to a delay in proceedings.

The earlier sunshine was a distant memory and, with wet roads between Milntown and the Mountain Mile, it meant that Clerk of the Course Gary Thompson had little option other than to declare the session untimed.

While Cheung Wain On was finally able to complete his newcomer’s controlled lap on time, the main start was delayed until 7.15pm. And when it did, all the expected front runners were nowhere to be seen as they had to switch from the Superbike machines they were so desperate to get out on to more suitable Supersport or Superstock machinery.

Ivan Lintin, on the 600cc Taylor Lindsey Kawasaki, and Josh Brookes, on the Tyco Suzuki, were the first to leave the line, the latter becoming the first newcomer for a long time to lead a session away.

Other riders well to the fore included Robert Wilson, Paul Owen, Grant Wagstaff, Jamie Coward, Rob Barber, Ryan Kneen and Derek Sheils. However, with stationery yellow flags being displayed for almost a third of the 37.73-mile Mountain Course, it was clear the riders would be doing nothing more than sighting laps.

Five minutes after Brookes and Lintin, a few of the seeded riders did take to the track with Michael Rutter (Superstock), John McGuinness (Supersport), Bruce Anstey (Supersport), Conor Cummins (Superstock) and Guy Martin (Superstock) among them.

Before long though, reports around the course were that the rain showers were increasing in frequency with wet roads from Ballacraine onwards and yellow flags prominent.

Indeed, most riders pulled in after one lap citing conditions although some did continue for two, primarily notable newcomers Brookes, Raphael Paschaolin, Horst Saiger and Sam Wilson. Cummins and Rutter also put in two laps while McGuinness had intended to do likewise until pulling in at Quarter Bridge.

At 8pm, it was the turn of the F2 Sidecars who were getting their first track action since Saturday and all of the crews took full advantage of the time allotted, despite the still inclement conditions. The only exception was Dave Molyneux/Patrick Farrance, who decided not to participate. While a few of the teams did put in two laps, many, like the solos, just opted for a solitary lap.

Practice continues this evening, with a better forecast in prospect.

Roads will close at 6pm (Mountain Road 5pm) with the sidecars scheduled to get proceedings under way at 6.20pm, the Superbike/Superstock/Supersport/Newcomers(except Lightweight) to continue at 7.15pm and Supersport/Lightweight/Newcomers (all solo classes) from 8pm.

Police and TT organisers have warned of ‘catastrophic consequences’ after reports of thefts of TT road signs.

Inspector Derek Flint said: ‘Things like “Prohibited Area” signs might seem like a great souvenir, but if they don’t get replaced and someone wanders into the zone, the consequences could be catastrophic.’

‘We have had some reports of damage being caused to crash cell fencing, as well as items being taken by people,’ added Inspector Flint.

‘We are asking people to inform us if they see items being taken or damaged.’

To report incidents call 631212 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

The next boss of the Department of Infrastructure has been announced.

Nick Black will become the chief executive of the department when the current boss, Ian Thompson, retires.

Mr Black is currently the chief executive of the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure. As such, he has been heavily involved in the current bus dispute.

He has been the boss there since 2010. He joined the Manx government in 2000.

His former roles included being chief health and safety inspector at the former Department of Local Government and the Environment, secondment to the former Department of Transport, director of motorsport and chief operating officer in the former Department of Tourism and Leisure and chief officer of the Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading.

Mr Black said: ‘I am looking forward to getting to know the Department and its staff and to keeping up the progress of the Minister’s priorities

‘I will be sad to leave the excellent teams at DCCL but am confident that my successor will have their full support.’

The Minister for Infrastructure, David Cretney MHK, said: ‘I am very pleased to be able to announce this appointment. Having worked with Nick Black at DCCL I believe he is a dedicated and conscientious officer who is well aware, as I am, of the challenges facing all government departments.

‘He follows an excellent chief executive in Ian Thompson who together with his senior management team has been at the forefront of adapting to changed financial circumstances facing government and has quietly been making the department into a much more efficient organisation.

‘I have led this politically with the support of my departmental colleagues and that work continues.’

In January, the Isle of Man Examiner revealed that the future of the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure was under review under plans to reduce the scope of government.

The department is responsible for a number of different services, including buses, the National Sports Centre and the Villa Marina, all of which are subsidised by the taxpayer.

Thursday, May 30

• Tea dance, South Douglas Old Friends Association, Finch Road, Douglas, 2pm.

• Dance classes for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

• Modern Line Dance classes for all levels at The Legion Hall, Onchan. Also Monday and Wednesday. Call Michael on 670308.

• Strictly Come Dancing for beginners, Royal British Legion, Port Erin, 8pm. £3.50 per person.

• Irish set dancing above Macbeth’s, Victoria Street, Douglas, 8pm. Call David on 457268.

Friday, May 31

• Modern Dance, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 5.45pm. Also Thursday at 4.30pm. Tap Jnr, 6.45pm. Also Tap Adv at 7.30pm. Also Beginners Tap, Tuesday at 4.30pm.

• Argentinian Tango beginners class, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 7pm. Call 880650 or 324110.

• Line Dancing, Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 7pm. Beginners welcome, adults £3.50, children £1.50. Call 878687.

Saturday, June 1

• Dance Time for children, Port Erin Methodist Hall, from 9.30am. £2.50 per half hour. Call 835696.

• Ballroom dancing for children of all ages, Royal British Legion Hall, Port Erin, 10am.

• Zumba for Fun in Jurby Parish Hall, 11am.

• Irish Dance Mixed 3pm. Also Prim/Int on Monday at 4.30pm and Tuesday at 6.15pm. Beginners on Tuesday at 5.15pm. Stage Snr 4pm. Also Stage Int at 5pm, Dance Factory, Onchan Park

• Sequence dancing, Onchan Methodist Church Hall, 8pm. Call 829669.

• Social sequence dancing, Pulrose Methodist Church hall, Douglas, 8pm. Also Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. Call 842878.

Sunday, June 2

• Perree Bane Manx folk dancing, Ballasalla village hall, 7pm.

Monday, June 3

• Ballet, Viking Works, Riverside, Peel, 5.45pm. Also Thursday at 4.30pm.

• Modern, street and stage dance classes, Rinkey Studios, Peel, from 6pm. www.rinkey.co.uk

• Country dancing, Willaston Hall, 7pm-9pm. Call 628521.

• Ceroc Dance night, Masonic Hall, Douglas, 7.30-10.30pm.

• Line dancing, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8.15pm. Call 436219.

Tuesday, June 4

• Oriental Dance Exercise, Gena’s Dance Academy, Peel, 10am. Also Wednesdays, The Gym, Ramsey. Call 300020.

• Sequence dancing and social, South Douglas Old Friends Association, 7.30pm. £1.50.

• Beginners Line Dance, St John’s Football Club, 7.30pm-9pm. Call 462104.

• Sequence dancing with Port Erin Dancing Club, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 8pm. £1.50.

Wednesday, June 5

• Ballroom dancing for children, Centenary Centre, Peel, 4pm. Call 450688.

• Ballet, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.

• Latin Line Dancing,7.30pm. Beginners welcome. Royal British Legion Hall, Port Erin, 835098/419028.

• Ballroom dancing, Villa Marina, Douglas, 8pm. Call 623414.

• Rhythmic dance, St Ninian’s Dance Studio, Douglas, 8pm.

Find out who is playing where and when

Thursday, May 30

• Green Ginger at Rendezvous, Douglas.

• 3 Million, Port Erin beach stage.

• Brown Sugar at The Rosemount, Douglas.

• Penthouse Dive at Jaks, Douglas.

• Open Mic Night at The Bay View Hotel, Port St Mary.

• Age of Steam, The Highwayman, Peel,

• Karaoke, Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Soundcheck, Youth Arts Centre, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Saturday and Wednesday.

• Ramsey Folk Club at The Britannia, Ramsey, 8pm.

• Karaoke with Ray Sloane at The Saddle Inn, Douglas.

• Guitar Lessons at The Meeting Room, Archibald Knox, Onchan, 5-45-6.45pm.

• Alternative Havana, Fiesta Havana, Douglas. Also, Friday - Full On Fridays.

Friday, May 31

• David Castro at The Bay View Hotel, Port St Mary.

• Skeet, Port Erin beach, 8.30pm.

• Green Ginger at The Rutland, Douglas.

•3 Million at The Engine Room, Castletown.

• Brown Sugar at O’Donnells, Douglas.

• 9 Mile Smile, at Jaks, Douglas.

• Ian Thompson at The Union.

• Shoh Slaynt at The Crosby from 9pm.

• DJ Tim Second Venue, 21 Victoria Street,Douglas, 8pm. Also Saturday.

• Blues Night at The Pavillion, Port St Mary. 8pm. Food available. Call 834932 for details.

• Karaoke, The Albert, Douglas, 9pm.

• Thai Night, authentic food and music, The Railway, Douglas, 6pm. Also Wednesday.

• Manx Music session, Tynwald Inn, St John’s, 8.30pm.

• Irish Traditional Music session, The Mitre, Ramsey, 9pm.

• Kiaull as Gaelg, The Albert, Port St Mary, 9pm.

Saturday, June 1

• Final Cut at The Bay View Hotel, Port St Mary.

• RedGap at the Grandstand Beer Tent,9pm.

• Green Ginger at The Rutland, Douglas.

• 3 Million at The Creek Inn, Peel.

• Brown Sugar at The Manx Arms, Onchan.

• AM Frequency at Jaks, Douglas.

• Age of Steam, The Horse and Plough, Braddan.

• Ian Thompson at The Rosemount, Douglas

• Manx Music session, The White House, Peel, 10pm.

• Karaoke with Dobbo at the Decks, Liverpool Arms, Baldrine.

• Karaoke at the Central Hotel, Ramsey.

Sunday, June 2

• Mr. Eliminator/Freaky Stiltskin/Bay View Warriors at The Bay View Hotel, Port St Mary.

• RedGap at The Creek, Peel, 9pm.

• Skeet at The Queen’s Hotel, Douglas.

• Green Ginger at The Rendezvous, Douglas.

• 3 Million, Peel Day, Peel Promenade.

• Loose Crew at Bar Logo, Ramsey.

• 3.30pm. Brown Sugar, 7pm Power Cut, 10pm, Caution Runners at Jaks, Douglas.

• Ian Thompson at The Ginger Hall, Sulby.

• Music Box with David Castro and Stephanie Chatterley at Guys and Dolls, Douglas.

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

• Karaoke, The Crescent, Queen’s Promenade, Douglas, 8pm.

Monday, June 3

• The Baliffs at The Bay View Hotel, Port St Mary.

• Green Ginger at The Rendezvous, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at The Savoy Hotel, Douglas.

• Penthouse Dive at Jaks, Douglas.

• Shoh Slaynt at The St. John’s Campsite Marquee from 9pm.

Tuesday, June 4

• RedGap at Glen Lough Campsite tent, Union Mills, 9pm.

• Skeet at The Mitre Hotel, Ramsey.

• Green Ginger at The Prospect, Douglas.

• Loose Crewe at Bar Logo, Ramsey.

• Brown Sugar at The Savoy Hotel, Douglas.

• 3 Million at Jaks, Douglas.

• Age of Steam at The Cat with No Tail, Douglas.

• Ian Thompson at Sam Webbs, Douglas..

• Acoustic Sing-a-Round, The Manor, Willaston, 8.30pm.

• Rock Choir, Youth Arts Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas, 6pm.

Wednesday, June 5

• Ballagroove DJS at The Bay View Hotel, Port St Mary.

• 3 Milliomn, behind the Grandstand, Douglas.

• Brown Sugar at Sam Webbs, Douglas.

• Switch at Jaks, Douglas.

• Karaoke at The British, Douglas.

Thursday, May 30

Thursday, May 30

• Age Concern - Free Computer Training Sessions, Douglas iMuseum, Kingswood Grove, 10am–12.30pm, Wednesday, Douglas, Drinkwater Street. Also Monday and Tuesday, 2pm-4.30pm

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market, at Tynwald Mills, St John’s, 11am-3pm.

• Arbory School, Main Road, Ballabeg. Traditional Summer Fayre and BBQ, 4pm-6pm.

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Port Soderick upper car park, 7.30pm.

• Manx Gaelic class with Cathy Clucas, Arbory Commissioners’ Hall, 7.30pm. Call 838527.

• Manx Gaelic class, intermediate-advanced with James Harrison, 7.30pm at Arbory Commissioners Hall. Friday Intermediate-advanced with Adrian Cain, noon at the Manx Museum. Saturday, Intermediate 10.30am at House of Manannan in Peel. Intermediate-advanced with James Harrison 10.30am at the Manx Museum, Douglas. Tuesday, intermediate with Adrian Cain noon at St. Matthews in Douglas. Advanced 1pm at the Rovers in Douglas. Beginners 7.30pm at Patchwork Cafe in Port St Mary. Also Learn Manx with Adrian Cain, beginners noon-1pm, intermediates 1pm-2pm, Manx Museum, Douglas. Admission free. Call 451098.

• Bingo Quiz, Manor Hotel, Willaston, 9pm.

• Quiz Night at The Railway, Douglas 8.30pm. Call 670773.

Friday, May 31

• Willaston Weekly Drop In Centre, Willaston Methodist Church, Barrule Road, 10am-noon.

• Drop in for coffee and a chat, Sulby Methodist Church, 10am-noon.

• Garage Sale at the back of Crossroads Charity Shop, Victoria Street, Douglas, 10am-4pm.

• The Manx Aviation and Military Museum, 10am-4.30pm. Also Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. Free admission. Donations welcome.

• Coffee and chat, Onchan Methodist Church lounge, opposite commissioners’ office, 10.30am-noon.

• Meditation at The Refinery, Duke Street, Douglas, 7pm. Call 467818.

• The Link - interesting talks and a buffet supper, Onchan Baptist Church. Call 623415.

Saturday, June 1

• The Parish of Malew & Santon T.T. Cafe at the Abbey Church Hall in Ballasalla, 8am to 4pm. Call 824504, Until June 8.

• Theatre Tours, Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, 10am. Tickets for adults £7.50, children £4, family £20. Call 600555.

• Laxey Woollen Mills, Glen Road, 10am-5pm. Also open weekdays.

• Green Centre, opposite Iceland, Douglas. Information about recycling, energy, insulation and environmental matters. Zero Waste Mann, Isle of Man Friends of the Earth and Manx Energy Advice Centre. Open from 10am.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 10am-1pm.

• Isle of Man Farmers’ Market at Villa Marina, Douglas, 10am-2pm.

• Great Laxey Mine Railway, open every Saturday, 11am-4.30pm.

• Coffee and chat, St Mary’s on the Harbour, Castletown, 11am.

• The Friends of St Jude’s , TT food at Thie-ny-garlgey (St Jude’s Straight). Until June 7 ,11am until 4pm.

• Car boot sale, Mill Road, Peel (open air), noon- 2.30pm. Call 801200.

• Milntown House Tours every Saturday at 2pm. Call 812321.

Sunday, June 2

• TT Teas at the Dalby schoolrooms. 10.30am -4.30pm.

• The Southern Vintage Engine and Tractor Club Annual Vintage Rally on The Stonefield at Ballacreggan Farm, Port St Mary, call 496870.

• Mad Sunday Biker’s Service, Sulby Methodist Church, 11am. Plus BBQ.

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Ballakillowey Picnic Site, 1.30pm.

• Fishing workshops for beginners, includes both river and sea, bait, spinning and fly fishing, at Adventurous Experiences lecture room, Patrick Road, St John’s, by Kelvin Tastagh, owner of Kelvin’s Tackle, 2pm. Entry £3 donation to RNLI. Call 478224.

• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission Hall, 7pm.

• Meditation and chat at Pure Inspiration, Ramsey, 7.15pm. Call 817735.

Monday, June 3

• Afternoon Tea Dance every Monday, 2pm-4pm, Manx Legion Club, Douglas.

Tuesday, June 4

• Computers for Beginners, Onchan Library, 10am-noon. Call 621228.

• Manx Cancer Help drop-in day, Lisa Lowe Centre, The Old Schoolhouse, Cronkbourne, 11am-4pm.

• Whist for Hospice, Michael Methodist Church, 7.30pm, £2.

Wednesday, June 5

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30am-noon.

• Independent Living Centre, Open Day, Ballakermeen Rd, 9.30am-3.30pm. Call 642511.

• Computer Training Sessions for everyone. Leonard Cheshire Disability, Main Rd, Onchan, 11am-3pm. Call 679030.

• Bereavement support group, friendly get together for anybody feeling isolated or lonely after a bereavement, however or whenever it occurred, tea, coffee and a chat, Scholl Centre, Hospice Isle of Man, 5pm-7pm. Call 647443.

• Samba percussion workshop, no experience necessary, Onchan Silver Bandroom, off Onchan Commissioners car park, 7pm. Cost £3, email sambamann@manx.net

• Manx Footpaths Conservation Group, Port Soderick Upper Car Park, 7.30pm.

• Manx Gaelic class with James O’Meara, St John’s House, 7.30pm. Call 843436.

• Bingo Quiz, Archibald Knox.

Thursday, May 30

• Gym time active play for pre-school children, Manx Gymnastics Centre, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 625636. Also Friday and Wednesday.

• Happy Tots, Main Hall, Willaston School, 9.45am, £1 per family including refreshments. Call 621577.

• Storytime for pre-schoolers, Henry Bloom Noble Library, Douglas, 10am. Call 696461.

• Krafty Kids (pre-school age) Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Action Songs and Rhymes, birth-5 years. Ballasalla Primary School. Plus many other sessions across the island. Free but donations welcome. Call on 479452.

• Arbory Tots, from birth, Parish Hall, Ballabeg, 2pm. Cost £1 per family. Call 832394.

• Toddler Tunes, Community Room, Michael School, 2pm. Call 878090.

• 2nd Onchan Beavers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 5pm.

• St. John Ambulance Cadets (10+), 6.30pm-8pm, Douglas Headquarters. Badgers (5+), 5.30pm-6.30pm, Peel Age Concern. Adults meetings, Thursday, Monday and Tuesday, Douglas Headquarters. Friday, Ramsey, St Olaves Church Hall. For all other times and venues call 674387.

• Santon Beavers, Kewaigue School, 5pm. Also Cubs at 6.30pm. Call 623244.

• Good News Club for primary school children, Living Hope Community Church, Bayview Road, Port St Mary, 6pm. Email weirfamily55@hotmail.co.uk

• The Children’s Centre Parent Support Group, informal chat with family support workers, at Douglas Family Centre, Woodbourne Road, 7-9pm.

• The Isle of Man Children’s Centre Parent Support Group, informal chat with family support workers at Woodbourne Road, 7pm-9pm.

• Army Cadets, Scout Hall, Peel, 7pm. Also Tuesday.

• Onchan District Explorers, Scout Headquarters, Onchan, 7.30pm.

Friday, May 31

• Baby and Toddler Group, 9.30am-11.30am at Glen Maye Community Centre. Free but donations welcome. Call 845681.

• Tiddlers, parents and tots, Elim Church, Onchan, 10am. Call 434933.

• Parents and tots, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am.

• Parent and toddler group, Ballasalla Primary School, 1.45pm.

• Theatrix Theatre Company Musical Theatre, Douglas, Saturday 12-2.30pm for ages 8-12. Also Saturday, Babies Irish/mod, 9am. Prep Ballet/Tap, 10am, Babies Ballet/Tap, 11am. Musical Theatre, ages 5-8. Monday, Senior Ballet, 4pm, Senior Tap, 5pm, Senior Jazz, 5.45pm Adult Irish, 6.30pm. Tuesday, Community Ballet/Tap, 4pm. Beginners Irish, 4.45pm. Junior Irish, 5.30pm. Adult Tap, 6.15pm. Wednesday, Grade 2 Ballet/Tap, 4pm. Novice Irish, 5.30pm. Adult Ballet, 6.15pm.

• Mums and Tots, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10am-noon. Call 479839.

• Storybox, Family Library, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, 10.30am-11am. Also Saturday, Sticky Fingers craft, 10.30am-noon; Alternate Wednesday, Busy Bee Time for pre-schoolers, 1.45pm-2.45. Tuesday, Sing and Sign with Nickie Gaskell, 11am-noon. Call 673123.

• Parents and Tots, upper room, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Call 897364. Also 3.45pm Sparks after school club.

• Onchan carers and tots, Parish Hall, Onchan, 1.15pm. Call 625328.

• Tiny Tunes, music time for 0-3s, Family Library, Westmoreland Road, Douglas, 1.30pm, £2.50. Call 673123.

Sunday, June 2

• Sunday School, Sulby Methodist Church, 10.30am. Also youth group for school years 7+, 7pm. Call 450104.

• TT Week Holiday Club, 10 am - noon. For children in reception to year 6. Call 492010. Until June 7.

• ROCK Sunday Club for children at Colby Methodist Chapel. 10.30am - 11.30am, during term time.

• Task and DFC children’s club, Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 10.45am.

Monday, June 3

• Kittens tots and carers group, St Ninian’s Church, Douglas, 10.30am. £1 per family. Call 629683.

• Parents and tots, Dhoon Church Hall, 9.30am. Call 426395.

• Parents and tots, St Olave’s Church, Ramsey, 1pm.

• Tots play at Northern Lights Community Centre, Ramsey, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Also Tots craft and play on Wednesday, £1.

• Noah’s Ark Tots Group, Church on the Rock, behind Ramsey Bus Station, 9.30am. Call 223669.

• Breastfeeding Buddies drop in clinic, Village Walk Health Centre, Onchan, 10.30am. Call 656030.

• Daniel’s Den, Methodist Church, Arbory Street, Castletown, 10am. Admission £1. Call 822374.

• Roll’n’Play for preschoolers, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10.30am.

• Do Drop Inn Drama Club, children aged 10+, St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, 7pm.

Tuesday, June 4

• Parents and tots, Auldyn Infants School Community Room, Ramsey, 9.15am-11.15am.

• Toddle Inn, mums and tots group, Port St Mary Baptist Church, 9.30am. Call 835091.

• Super Saints, All Saints Church Vestry, Douglas, 10am-11.15am. Call 427185.

• Laxey mums and tots, Laxey Pavilion, 1pm. Call 438408.

• Foxdale mums and tots, community hall, Foxdale School, 2pm. Call 420234.

• Abbey Acorns, ages 4+ at the Abbey Church, Ballasalla, 3.30pm.

• Peel Footlights Youth Theatre, children aged eight-16, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 4pm. Also Thursday. Call 843819.

Wednesday, June 5

• Parents and tots, Salvation Army Citadel, Lord Street, Douglas, 9.30am. Call 627742.

• Mini Club for parents or carers and their babies, toddlers and pre-school children at Anagh Coar School, 9.30am or Braddan Church Hall, 2pm. Call 675091.

• Ballabeg Busy Bugs for under fives, Arbory Parish Hall, Ballabeg, 10am. Call 429676.

• Mums and tots, Marown Hall, Peel Road, Crosby, 10.15am. £1.50 per family.

• Carers and tots, St James’ Schoolrooms, Dalby, 10.30am-noon. Call 843471 or cherylcousins@manx.net

• Twins/Multiple Births Club, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 10am-11.30am. Call 458202.

• Parent and toddler group, Castletown Youth Centre, Arbory Street, 2pm.

Thursday, May 30

• Manx Retirement Association, Stretch and Flex at the NCS, Douglas at 10am.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown Coffee Morning; Friday Sequence Dancing 2pm-4.30pm; Saturday Arabian Dancing, 9am-1pm; Monday Bridge 2pm-5pm and 7pm-11pm; Tuesday Coffee Morning including raffle 10am-noon; Wednesday Whist Drive 7pm-10pm.

• The Dalby Art Group, St James’ schoolrooms, 2pm. Bring your own equipment. Call 843471.

Monday, June 3

• Onchan Ladies’ Choir, Methodist Hall, 1.30pm. Call 673453.

• Vannin Bridge, Onchan Pensioners Hall, 2pm. Also Thursday.

• Onchan Rotary Club, The Max Restaurant, Groudle Road, 6.30pm.

• Onchan Silver Band practice, The Band Room, off Main Road, Onchan, beginners, 6.30pm and seniors, 7.30pm.

• Ramsey Gardening Club at 7.30pm at Quayles Hall, £2.

Tuesday, June 4

• St John’s Art and Craft Group, Methodist Hall, 9.40am. Bring your own art and craft. Call 851364.

• Onchan Pensioners’ Social Club, Morton Hall, 10.30am. Also Thursday.

• The Tuesday Group, flexible learning room to try your hand at basic crafts, have a chat, coffee and fun, Peel Clothworkers’ School, 1.15pm. Pre-school children catered for. Call 614180.

• Isle of Man Chess Club, Belsfield Hotel, Church Road Marina, Douglas, 7.30pm. Call 495097 .• Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band rehearsals, Queen Street Mission Hall, 7.30pm.

• Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann meet, Falcons’ Nest Hotel, Port Erin, 7.30pm.

• Glen Maye WI, St James’ Church Hall, Dalby, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Mannin Quilters, Ballabeg Methodist Hall, 7.30pm-9pm. Call 628921. Also Wednesday at St. Columba’s Catholic Church, Port Erin, 1.30-4pm.

• Santon WI, The Church Centre, Church Road, Santon, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

Wednesday, June 5

• MS Society coffee morning, Harbour Lights, St Paul’s Square, Ramsey, 10.30am.

• Sulby Art Club, 2pm-4pm at St Stephen’s Church Hall.

• Onchan Pensioners Club, Morton Hall, Castletown, Ladies Club 2pm-4pm.

• The Friendship Club for the over 60s, Onchan Baptist Church. Call 674255.

• Jurby and District WI, Jurby Parish Hall, 7.15pm.

• St. Mark’s WI, St. Mark’s School room, 7.30pm. Call 818194.

• Ballabeg WI, Methodist Sunday School, Ballabeg 7.30pm. Call 818194.

Thursday, May 30

• Thighs, Bums and Tums, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 9.30am. Also Tuesday. Call 335635.

• Walk and talk, Harbour Lights Cafe, Peel, 10am. Also Friday, NSC, Douglas, 10am; Monday, Pulsom Park, Castletown, 10.30am; Tuesday, NSC, Douglas, 10am; Wednesday, Ramsey Rugby Club, 10am. Call 688592.

• Pilates 9.30am and 10.45am, Hot Yoga 6pm and 7.30pm, Friday, Kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, Get Yoga Fit 10am, Hot Yoga 6.30pm, Saturday, Hot Yoga 10am and 11.30am, Sunday, Hot Yoga 10am and 11.30am , Monday, Kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, Get Yoga Fit 10am, Warm Pilates 5pm, Hot Yoga for Beginners 6.30pm, Tuesday, 7am Hot Yoga, 5.30pm Pilates, Wednesday, Kettlebells 7am and 1.10pm, Get Yoga Fit 10am, Hardcore 6 pack ABS 5.45pm, Pilates 6.30pm at The Gym, Ramsey 812100.

• Fitness league exercise class, Ballafesson Church hall, Port Erin, 10.30am. Call 832759.

• Gentle Circuits, NSC, Douglas, 11am. Also Saturday. Call 688588.

• Pilates at noon and 2.15pm. Also balance pilates at 1.30pm on Tuesdays. All at the Church on the Rock, Ramsey. Also 9.15am Pilates at Woodbourne Sq, Douglas at 9.15am on Tuesdays. Call 491449.

• Chair based exercise sessions, Onchan Youth and Community Centre, 1.30pm. Also Friday, Port Erin Methodist Church hall, 2pm; Monday, Ramsey Town Hall, 10.30am; Tuesday, Castletown Sandfield, 2pm; Wednesday, Westland’s, Peel, 10.30am. Call 642668.

• Tai Chi Chuan, Lezayre Parish Hall, 2pm. Call 813222.

• Iyengar inspired yoga classes, Children’s Yoga, 3.45pm-4.45pm, reception to Year 3 and 4.45pm-5.45pm, Year 4 to teenagers. Men’s Yoga, 6.30pm-8pm, mixed ability. Hatha Yoga, Monday, 9.15am-10.45am mixed ability for over 60s, Monday, 11am-12.30pm, Hatha Yoga, Wednesday, 7pm-8.30pm mixed ability. All at Laxey Football Club. Call Jane on 863130 or janepycroft@manx.net

• Manx Fencing Club, Ashley Hill School, Onchan, 4pm. Also seniors at Ballakermeen High School, Douglas, 5pm; Tuesday, Arbory Village Hall, beginners at 4pm and Grade 1+ 5pm; Wednesday, Ramsey Grammar School, juniors at 5pm and seniors at 6pm, also at Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, juniors at 6.30pm and adults at 7.30pm.

• Southern Gymnastics Club, Ballasalla School, 4pm. Also Tuesday, Castle Rushen High School, 5pm. Call 473741.

• Northern Gymnastics Club, Ramsey Grammar School, 5pm.

• Get Back Into The Swing of Things - badminton, squash, table tennis and mini tennis, includes equipment and a coach, NSC, 2pm-4pm.

• Western Athletics Club, QEII High School, 6.30pm.

• Zumba, Carrefour Health Club, Douglas, 6.30pm. Also Monday, 8pm; Wednesday, 9.45am.

• Cardiotone, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 7-8pm. Also Monday 7-8pm. Call 452729/863602.

• Peel Badminton Club, Corrin Hall, Peel, 7pm.

• Aquafit, Western Swimming Pool, Peel, 7pm. Also Tuesday, 1.15pm.

• Aerobics and body toning, bring your own mat, Philip Christian Centre, Peel, 7pm. Also Monday, Park View Hall, Kirk Michael. Call 455924.

• Yoga, Cooil Methodist Hall, 7.15pm. Call 494489. - 14/10/11

• Fencing for all ages. Ashley Hill School, 7.30pm. Also Monday, Andreas Parish Hall, 4.30pm; Tuesday, Arbory Parish Hall, 4pm and Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael, 6.30pm; Wednesday, Scoill Ree Gorree Sports Hall, Ramsey, 5pm. Call 880863.

• Zumba, The Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 7.30pm. Call 425270. Also Tuesday.

Friday, May 31

• Pilates St John’s Methodist Hall at 9.30am and The Studio, Falcon Road, Douglas, at 1pm,Monday - St John’s Methodist Hall at 9.30am and Colby Methodist Hall at 6.15pm,Wednesday - St John’s Primary School at 5.15pm and 6.15pm. Equipment provided. Ring Lizzy Main on or 427401 or visit http://pilates-isle-of-man.co.uk

• Zumba Classes at Silvercraigs Hotel, Queens Promenade, 9.45am and 10.25am. Creche facility. Zumba Masterclass for beginners, Zumba Gold and Zumba Fitness Classes for ladies and mums and tots. Also Tuesday.

• Acrobatics, Dance Factory, Onchan Park, 4.30pm.

• Manx ABC Boxing, Palace Terrace, Douglas. Juniors, 6pm. Seniors (age 16+), 7pm. Beginners welcome. Also Monday and Wednesday.

• Yoga, Morton Hall, Onchan, 6.30pm. Call 494489.

• Tai chi chuan, Murrays Road School, 7.30pm. Call 612305.

• Indoor bowls, Legion Hall, Port St Mary, 7.30pm. No experience necessary.

Saturday, June 1

• Pregnancy yoga, All Saints Hall, Douglas, 10am. Call 461461.

• Yoga, Laxey Working Men’s Institute, 10.15am. Also Monday.

• Yoga, Arbory Parish Hall, 10.30am. Call 494489.

Exhibitions in the Isle of Man

• Isle of Man College BA Fine Art Exhibition at The Strand Shopping Centre. Monday-Saturday 9am-5.30pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm. Until Saturday, June 8.

• Art Group Centenary Centre Exhibition, Peel, open daily Monday to Saturday 11am to 4pm. Enquiries ring 845086. Until , Saturday, June 8.

Palace Cinema

The Hangover Part 3 (15). Nightly 7.30pm. Daily matinees 2.30pm.

Epic 3D (U). Nightly at 7pm. Daily matinees 2pm and 4pm.

Broadway Cinema

• Star Trek into Darkness (12A). Daily at noon and 5pm.

• Fast and Furious. Daily at 1.30pm, 8.30pm, 10pm.

• Joey: The Man who conquered the TT. Daily at 10.30pm. Sunday at 10pm.

• I Superbiker 3: The Day of Reckoning. Saturday and Monday at 10pm.

Friday, May 31

• An Evening with Carl and James – Torque Time. Gaiety Theatre, 9pm. £15

• Johnny Cash Life Story at Peel Centenary Centre, 8pm. £10.

Saturday, June 1

• The Darkness and Toseland, Villa Marina, Royal Hall. 8pm.

R.E.M.

Green: 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

Back in the day, before Michael Stipe lost his hair, before drummer Bill Berry sacked it off to be a farmer, before Losing My Religion, Before Man on the Moon. Back then, in 1988 to be precise, R.E.M. were fast becoming one of the most respected and revered live acts in the United States.

Hungry to take their musical message on tour, possessing the raw passion of a new American college band but with the wisdom of an act now on their sixth album and freshly signed to Warner Bros., many consider this to be the finest moment in the career of R.E.M, a career now confined to the anals of pop after their split.

With well-known songs like Orange Crush and Stand originating on Green, this was certainly the turning point for the band on the way to international stardom, but album tracks World Leader Pretend, I Remember California and The Wrong Child also make this the great record that it is.

It’s 25 years since Green was first released and it’s been put out again in a deluxe version, but the real star of the show this time round is the second CD of a live recording in 1989. The gig in Greensboro was the penultimate show on the 130 date Green World Tour and all 21 songs were recorded in the North Carolina town on November 10.

While some of the tracks have seen the light of day before as b-sides, this is the first time it’s been put together on one disc and the result is a terrific night with R.E.M. at their early, brilliant show-stopping best. This anniversary set is packaged in a hard clamshell box and comes with four postcards and a fold-out poster, as well as liner notes.

Listen out for live versions of the Green tracks, but also an early test for the new songs Low and Belong, which eventually ended up on the next album, Out of Time.

Stereophonics

If you missed it on Tuesday, you can catch up with Later With Jools Holland on iPlayer because Stereophonics are playing new material from their impressive Graffiti On A Train. While we’re at it, they release the titular track as a single this week and tickets for their arena tour later this year are selling fast. They’re one of the year’s hottest acts.

We The Darkness are very much looking forward to playing on the Isle Of Man,’ exclaimed frontman Justin Hawkins ahead of the band’s gig at the Villa Marina on Saturday.

‘We’ve never been there before, and it’s always nice to see new faces and then attempt to melt them with a degree of rock-based fabulousness. Or something.’

He added: ‘The fact that the TT is on at the same time is just more added bonus! Our only previous knowledge of the event is learned solely from a TT-based George Formby film. Hopefully we’ll get to watch some racing while we’re there.’

The British glam rock band, which formed in 2000 and found chart success in 2003 with I Believe in a Thing Called Love, reunited two years ago following a split in 2006. Their third album Hot Cakes was released last summer and now they are on the road again.

‘This show kicks off a summer which will be packed with writing and hopefully recording, with a small handful of shows and festivals scattered throughout,’ explained Justin. ‘And then comes the end of the year, and... well plans for late 2013 are currently under wraps!’

The band, from Lowestoft in Suffolk, also consists of Justin’s brother Dan Hawkins (guitar, backing vocals), Richie Edwards (bass, backing vocals) and Ed Graham (drums).

Tickets for the show, which starts at 8pm, cost £30 or £35 to include an after show party at the Villa. Support will come from former World Superbike champion James Toseland. Pop into the Sea Terminal Welcome Centre, call 600555 or visit www.villagaiety.com

Petrol heads are in for a treat at the Gaiety Theatre tomorrow (Friday) night.

Motorcycle legends Carl Fogarty, left, and James Whitham are all set to host an up close and personal evening based on their UK chat show. The Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club is presenting Foggy & Whit: ‘Givin’ it Torque’, sponsored by The Sefton Hotel.

Opinionated and hilarious, this promises to be four-times World Superbike champion and multiple TT winner Carl Fogarty and friend and former British champion, TT racer and TV pundit James Whitham at their irreverent best – live and uncut. They provide insight into today’s world of racing, recall former glories and disasters and discuss the burning issues of the day – on and off-track.

Tickets are £15. Go to the Sea Terminal Welcome Centre, visit www.villagaiety.com or call 600555.

Bus diversions are in place following an accident on the Castletown road at Ballasalla.

As a result of the accident which is near to the petrol station, buses in each direction for the airport are being diverted via Great Meadow.

The affected services are numbers 1,2,10,11 and 12.

Passengers waiting at the Ballasalla Railway Station stop should board the bus at the stop on Main Road Ballasalla.

The stretch of road is currently closed and police are recommending anyone travelling from the north to the airport should go via Castletown.